Downtown Culture Crawl z | Page 2
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MAY 22-24
z | Page 5 Volume 13 Number 21 | 50¢
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May 22, 2014
Locals have dragon fever There is nothing quite as impressive as a dragon boat cutting through the water. It is easy to spot one as they usually have a decorative Chinese dragonhead and tail on the body of the vessel and the sound of a drum rises above the water. These massive humanpowered boats have roots in ancient Chinese history and culture. The Kamloops Dragon Boat Club began back in 1994. The club only started with 20 members and has grown to 100+ in the ten years the boats have been cruising the rivers around Kamloops. Long time member Ray Perreault loves all aspects of dragon boating. “We initially had a canoe as our boat. We still managed to win some races,” comments Ray. “I started eight years ago because I thought it was kind of novel. I thought dragon boaters were a breed apart from regular people. I soon found out they are regular people. There is such a wide variety and the comradery is unlike anything else. Also you don’t have to be a super athlete to do it.” The crew of a standard dragon boat is typically 22, comprising of 20 paddles in pairs facing toward the bow of the boat, one drummer or caller at the bow facing toward the paddles and one sweep standing at the rear of the boat steering it. The pulsation of the drumbeats produced by the drummer is considered the “heartbeat” of the dragon boat. The drummer is able to control the speed of the boat by synchronizing the paddlers’ strokes. “You use a lot of your upper body quite a bit, your core too,” says Ray. “I enjoy winning. I never thought I was competitive because I had never been on a team sport before.” Dragon boating has significant cultural,
The Kamloops Dragon Boat Club is always looking for new paddlers through the entire season. If you enjoy socializing and a little exercise this may be the sport for you!
ceremonial and religious aspects inherent to competition. “We have four boats and usually have two boats on the water for practices,” Ray adds. “The longer you wait to join, the more catching up you have to do. There is a technique to it, but we are always looking for new members to join us. We have people join
throughout the season. “There is a lot of socializing,” adds Ray. “A lot of chit chatting is going on depending on the coach. You get to spend time on the river and see otters, beavers, deer and Canadian - continued on page 2
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